At a Glance for Jan. 30

Shade gardening lecture slated for Feb. 1

Interested in shade gardening? On Feb. 1, come to the second in a six-lecture series, “Bartlett Gardening University.” The presentation will be by Anne Krekelberg, immediate past president of the Memphis Area Master Gardeners.

The talk will be at 2:30 p.m. in the meeting room of the Bartlett Library, 5884 Stage Road.

The event will be sponsored by Bartlett City Beautiful in conjunction with the Memphis Area Master Gardeners and Bartlett Library.

Future lectures include Feb. 15, Trees; March 1, Herbs; March 15, Hydrangeas; and March 29, Create a Backyard Habitat.

Lakeland School System asks residents for input

The Lakeland School Board is asking residents to complete a survey, identifying their most crucial concerns beginning with the inaugural 2014 school year.

Dr. Ted Horrell, Lakeland School System (LSS) superintendent, said, “One of the most exciting things about a smaller school system is the opportunity to really use community feedback in our decision-making process.”

The items being surveyed include the educational experience thus far, school uniforms, school hours, building new schools, and what should be the top priorities in starting the LSS (curriculum, leadership, school security, teacher quality, etc.).

Dr. Horrell said, “We understand that we won’t always find unanimous support for the decisions we make, but we can be sure we have made those decisions thoughtfully and with input from the community.”

Operation Valentines program launches to honor veterans

Through Feb. 10, the new Operation Valentines program will collect valentines for veterans living in west Tennessee and those currently serving in the military.

Congressman Stephen Fincher (R), who launched the program, said it’s intended to honor West Tennessee’s past and present military heroes.

Guidelines are: Don’t address the valentines to a specific person, sign your last name, or include your full address (city and state are fine). Also don’t seal the valentines’ envelopes, because all will be reviewed for content and appropriateness before they are delivered.

Valentines may be dropped off or mailed to Fincher at any of his five district offices. The two nearest offices are: